ELFY: We'reee ba-aack heheh
FOXY: Missed us!
ELFY: Now this chapter might be a shock,or a tease depending on how you look at it
FOXY: Yep! but isn't it worth it? I mean you should expect a bit of teasing!But it's all in good fun!
ELFY: So to explain this is the true beginning of our story in our AU's past,don't worry we'll be back to the story you know by chapter next so no worries,so for now-
FOXY: Enjoy the epic tale of our heroes! Watch as they ride across the land defeating evil with mighty dragons!
ELFY: Just not quite yet covers foxy's mouth and backs away without further ado Natural binds chapter 1 prologue!
FOXY: moves your hand But Elfy I was getting to the good part! Wait! They still dont know about-
ELFY: Exactly! Shush bounds foxy up and runs away into the night
FOXY: ENJOY!
Disclaimer: Oh and we don't own VK or it characters! Just the idea for this story and our OC
Chapter 1: Prologue
"speaking"
'thoughts'
It was a quiet autumn night, stars litter the black sky, the wind blowing gently making leaves fall from the trees and dance within the breeze that carried them. In the distance away from the other homes and town, was a small mansion. It had four floors, the two main floors, and the attic and basement, the lights were still on in one room but it did not disturb the peace outside. Yes, a very peaceful night-
"HOW COULD YOU TREAT THEM LIKE THIS?!" a voice demanded from inside the house
It was peaceful.
Inside the house, where the one light was on in the parlor room, three people still awake and arguing. They're Kiryu Mia and Souske, and one livid Toga Yagari who was standing from his chair and glaring at the two people sitting across from him The two still regarded him with calm masks of indifference as if they didn't even hear his outburst.
"What do mean Yagari-kun?" Mia asked calmly blinking cool blue eyes at him while tucking blonde hair behind her ear.
Yagari scowled at the woman, who he once saw as his friend, was playing dumb. "You both know exactly what I mean." he growled out clenching his hands into fists as they continued just staring at him, wanting him to say it. He bowed his head but he caught the twitching of their lips. Were they seriously amused by the situation? Did they really want him to say it? Tell them what he just found out? Even if they said it or he said it, the two would be amused either way. Yagari thought. 'These sick fuc-' his musing where cut short when Souske spoke.
"Treating who like what Yagari-kun?" His voice held concern but Yagari heard the amusement laced in it. His whole body kept tensing and Yagari held himself back from jumping the two and beating the hell out of them. Never in his life did he want to kill people so badly, he felt sick to his stomach, and the feeling only became worse when he realized its his best friends, people who trained and fought alongside him, 'People that I trusted.' he thought finally looking back at the Souske and Mia staring at them with a cold and calculating eye, taking in their appearance and body.
Nothing seemed to have change on the outside, well appearance wise, Mia still had dirty blonde hair pulled into a ponytail draped over her left shoulder and blue eyes, her figure small and petite, wearing a black long sleeved shirt and blue jeans. Souske still had the same choppy silver hair and lavender eyes, his frame lean, tall and also muscled, he wore a white long sleeved button up shirt and and black jeans. On the outside the only thing that's changed on the couple, was their aura, it use to glow and be welcoming making the couple glow but, now it was dark and made Souske and Mia look dull, the welcoming aura no longer there. Yagari gazed at the couples eyes and instantly he knew on the inside was not the kind hearted couple and friends he grew up with but cold hearted monsters.
He calmed himself down and said in a steady voice. "Why are you abusing Zero and Ichiru?" he kept his gaze on them and continued. "I saw the bruises on there bodies... burnt marks, cuts from knives old and new, shoe prints from being stomped on and kicked, and hand prints from being slapped, choked, and punched." He narrowed his eye at them. "I know none of those are from training because I don't work them thathard. Especially with Ichiru's condition. We haven't even started combat training yet. Now," Yagari then fixed them with a cold stare. "How long have you've been abusing them? Or should I say torturing them." when Souske was about to open his mouth Yagari growled out, "And I don't to want to hear any of your bull excuses and don't try any of that playing dumb shit!" He then grounded out. "I want the truth now!"
Souske and Mia sighed relaxing more in their seats. "Is that all?" Souske said all nonchalant smirking. "It isn't torture it's training."
Yagari blinked then sneered at the man. "What?"
"Training Yagari-kun," Mia said with a disturbing insane smile. "Preparing their bodies to have a high tolerance to pain, so if they are captured and interrogated by enemies for secrets and what not, information won't be given so easily. This is more for Zero though, Ichiru can't even last fifteen minutes." She explained like it was the most normal thing in the world.
Yagari stared at her in disbelief. Did she think he would accept her twisted explanation. 'Is she really serious? What the hell is wrong with these two?'He asked himself turning his attention to the husband.
"She is right Yagari," Souske stated. "Zero is more suitable for this training, he shows more potential and he isn't weak like his pathetic brother-" He sentence was cut short by a hand gripping his throat tightly. Mia sat frozen to the seat as her husband struggled for breath.
"Don't. You. Ever." With each word Yagari's grip tighten around Souske's neck lifting him out of his seat. "Call. Ichiru-chan. Pathetic." Throwing Souske across the room he watched as the man's wife scrambled to his side. "These are your children and you're hurting them! Why?" He demanded.
"WE ARN'T HURTING THEM YAGARI!" Mia screamed back at standing protectively in front of Souske. "WE ARE MAKING THEM STRONGER-"
"By hurting them. Hurting Zero and Ichiru." he glared. "Your sons."
Mia bowed her head. "Why can't you understand?"
"What is there too understand Mia?" Yagari questioned back his voice dangerously low. "You want me to understand that abusing them is doing them good." His gaze flickered to Souske for a brief second then back to Mia. "They are only children, children, and one of the two has an untreatable illness that could take his life any day now... Don't you realize your making the process of him losing his life speed up?" He clenched his fist. "Of course you do...if Ichiru where to die right now you wouldn't mourn him-"
"WE WOULD!" Souske yelled standing back up.
"No wouldn't, you yourself called him weak and pathetic, you see him as a burden, you don't even acknowledge him...but I guess that isn't true is it," Yagari said staring at the two with so much contempt and anger, he was pleased with himself when both averted their eyes from him. " You acknowledge him so much, that you beat him. Though I notice how he has less injuries than Zero..." He paused returning to his seat hunched over as one hand covered his face and the other limp as it rested on his knee. "You wanna know how I found out about your 'training'?" Yagari didn't wait for their answers and continued. "It was just today when I found out, during training. I notice how Zero limped when we walked to the training grounds. I didn't question it because I thought he tripped or something before we left, but then I saw how Ichiru was looking at him worried while he held his side." Yagari was still hunched over not looking at the couple as he spoke, his voice remained steady and void of emotion even as the next part he was about to tell them sent shivers of anger and sadness down his spine. "Once we arrived at the grounds I went on ahead and asked them if anything was wrong, and like children who don't want you to find out their secrets, they," Yagari smiled sadly. "they told me 'no sensei nothing is wrong', they thought I would get mad at them if I saw-knew what was happening. They thought I wouldn't be able to help them. So I decided not to push it, we were about to start until Zero collapses, curling in on himself as he gripped his sides. I was by his side in a instant trying to see what was causing him pain, I moved his hands away and pulled of his shirt," Yagari was shaking with suppressed rage. "And lo and behold," He looked up at them eyes full of loathing. "Cuts...Deep. Fresh. Cuts. From. Knives." He gave a harsh humorless laugh shaking his head. " I've never seen something so gruesome on a child before. I turned to ask Ichiru what happened but he was breathing hard, with panic written all over his face. He kept muttering 'we'll be punished if someone finds out.' I calmed him down and he explained everything to me. What you two did, telling me...your training is no more than punishment for things they have not done."Yagari stood up and started walking towards the two slowly. "You've been doing this for two years. Two years my students, who I consider to be my own sons, have been going through hell right under my nose. They hid it so well..." He stood a few feet from Souske and Mia. "Which brings us back to my first question. Why?"
"We think its time for you to go Yagari." Both turned their heads from him, their lips becoming tight as they clenched their jaws shut, refusing to say anything more than a 'you should leave'.
Yagari ignored them and answered his own answer. "Let me tell you both why, you do it because of one being weak and will most likely never be able to be a hunter and the other for being close and more focused on his little brother than being a hunter. For this you punish Zero and Ichiru-"
Souske whispered. "Your wrong."
"Torturing them, putting it in their heads that they deserve it, but Zero and Ichiru are smarter than that, those two know its not their fault, nothing is their fault."
Mia screamed at him."YOU'RE WRONG! YOU DON'T GET IT! WE AREN'T HURT-"
Yagari slapped the woman, stopping her insane rant, watching her crumple to the floor nursing her red cheek. "You both are aware of what you are doing to them. Kids, only kids, who should be laughing, playing, and being joyful. Not worried of when their parents will beat them or scared for the other receiving to many injuries. Not fearing for their life. " Yagari finished, moving past the two and opening the door before stepping out of the parlor room to the carpeted hall way heading to the stair case that lead to the exit of the house, he stopped walking standing in front of the stair case. "I'll be back tomorrow."
"Why?" Souske was behind him.
"For Zero and Ichiru, I'll be back and take them, they'll be living with me."
Souske glared."You can't-"
Yagari turned around and glared right back growling. "I can and I will." He turned and walked down the stairs with out another word. Yagari felt betrayed, lied to, feeling like the biggest fool in the world. What happen to them? How could they be like this? What had changed Souske and Mia? Those weren't his friends not the ones who were happy and excited when finding out they would be having kids. Not the ones who held their children gently while kissing their crowns lovingly. Not the same people who let him hold both of the twins and given him the honor to be their godfather. Not the people he grew up with. So why?! Why?! Yagari yelled to himself. He should have been able to sense it, feel something was off but he didn't. Those people were no longer his friends anymore, the friends he had died and were replaced by monsters. Right now he wished he was walking to the kids room and taking them with him instead of walking out the house. Yagari knew even if he did it, it wouldn't be easy, surely Souske and Mia would stop him and he didn't want the two boys to get hurt anymore worse than they were...or are. He stepped outside into the chilled air sighing sadly as he gazed up at the star filled sky. 'I hope Zero-chan and Ichiru-chan are okay and can last until tomorrow." The teacher prayed.
Their parents had to hunt a Level E tomorrow, and would be gone most of the day, giving him time to get them and leave, though he lived in a different town so it would take some time coming back to get them. Plus he had his own mission in few hours, he didn't know how long it would last which put a dent in his plans to get the twins. Sighing he opened the door to his car and got in then began driving home. Hopefully he'll be done with his mission before Souske and Mia. He didn't know the details of their mission, only knowing the couple would be hunting an ex-human that has fallen to Level E and has been on a rampage. It was all he knew about their mission and prayed it would take them days to track the Level E, the reports said the Level E was on the move with its creator but that was all he remembered from skimming through the reports. Hopefully that would give him enough time to complete his mission
'Hopefully.'
Back at the Kiryu House
After Yagari left Souske went back to his wife who was now seated on the love seat next to the window, a hand still on her bruised cheek while void eyes stared at nothing. Sitting next her he gently moved her hand from the bruise putting his own hand there, gently rubbing it. It was silent. The only sound of the clock ticking on the wall present, it remained silent for a few minutes longer until Mia spoke.
"What?" Souske asked turning her head towards him gently, noticing her eyes cleared.
"He doesn't understand...He'll never accept it." She said softly bowing her head.
"That's okay," Souske comforted her bringing her close as her hugged her. "He doesn't need too, Yagari does not matter. These are our children, and what we do to them is none of his business. We know what we are doing is-" Yagari's words came to mind.
'Wrong!'
"Right," he forced himself to say. "This will help Zero get stronger."
"And Ichiru? What of him?" She asked him staring up into his lavender eyes.
He scowled at the mention of the weak twin. "Nothing more than a burden who doesn't have much time to live. With him still alive he is holding Zero back and the two are too close." He explained. "Because of that this will surely hold Zero back and make him weak, he is already too soft. Being gentle is not the way of a vampire hunter."
Mia nodded. "Then the best thing is to separate them and maybe... finally put an end to Ichiru." She said solemnly watching her husband nod. "I was hoping the training would end him but it seems I was wrong. Why couldn't he be like Zero, strong and full of so much potential? Why do we have cursed twins?" She mourned.
"They were suppose to be the same... not like this. Not having one potential hunter who would carry on the Kiryu name while the other shames it for being weak." Souske stated vehemently and stood up pacing. "As parents we need to do what will help this family and keep it strong and pure, and to do that... is to remove the stain from the cloth."
Mia stood and smiled. "The only thing to do...as parents, it is the responsible thing to do. Zero may hate us but he must understand this is all for him."
Souske grabbed his wife's hand pulling her back on the couch sitting her in his lap."Yes for our Zero. Well be rid of Ichiru after we come back from our mission. Then the Kiryu name will be pure once again." He leaned down and kissed her neck and proceeded to other activities.
As the two were lost in their passion they never notice the presence of their son, who stood pressed to the wall outside the room with wide frightened eyes covering his mouth with shaky hands, or heard his foots steps as he ran back quietly to his shared room with his brother.
As Zero ran, his sides began to hurt and throb, probably reopened but he didn't care. Right now the only thing he cared about was getting back to his little brother and tell him what he heard. If his parents knew he was listening to the whole conversation, he would be more than in trouble, he would be put through something worse than their 'training', it would be the discipline he was worried about. He and Ichiru woke up to the yelling between their sensei and parents and have been awake ever since, too afraid to go back to sleep, and once Yagari left Zero decided to see what they had been yelling about, much to Ichiru's horror, though he had a pretty good idea of what the topic was about.
Zero made it to his and Ichiru's room sighing in relief as he opened the door and went inside before closing and locking it. Zero was glad he went and at the same time wished he had listened to Ichiru. The things his parents said frightened him, he didn't want to be separated from Ichiru and he didn't want him to die either.
"Zero nii-chan?" Ichiru whispered sitting up in the bed.
Zero smiled at him."I'm fine Ichi." He walked over to his little brother's bed, climbing in with him.
"You didn't get caught." Ichiru said relieved, giving his brother enough room to lay on his bed though it wasn't necessary since both beds were queen sized and had more than enough room for them. "What happened after Yagari-sensei left?" He looked at Zero in concern when he saw how his brother tensed. "Nii-chan?"
"Nothing good." He pulled Ichiru into hug pressing their foreheads together then laced their fingers together.
"What did they say?"
Zero bit his lip nervously, he didn't want Ichiru to have an attack at what he is about to tell him. 'Now or never.' he thought. "Ichiru it was about us...Th-They said they would tear us apart, separate us."
Ichiru eyes widen in shock but remained calm. "Why?"
"To make me stronger." Zero answered with disgust. "They said you are holding me back. Saying how your a stain on the Kiryu name. Both of them only beat us because they believe it would make us stronger." He growled out as he tighten his hands on his brothers but quickly loosened them. "But that's a lie, they beat me because I'm to kind and gentle and also because I'm too close to you and worry about you more than my hunter training. They beat you because..." Zero trailed off, gazing down at their laced hands, he couldn't say it but Ichiru did.
"Of my illness and for being weak. I'm useless to them. Right?" Ichiru had a smile on his face as he said this, a kind understanding smile making Zero's heart clench painfully. "It's okay Nii-chan besides its true."
Zero shook his head frowning. "No it's not, your body maybe weak but you aren't Ichiru." He stated truthfully. "This isn't fair...you shouldn't be put through all this. You never asked for the illness yet those two blame you."
"Zero..." Ichiru was speechless. He knew what his parents thought of him and already believed his twin was the same as them, seeing him as a nuisance holding him back and being worthless but he was wrong, so wrong. Tears started brimming at the corner of Ichiru's eyes, happy he was wrong about Zero, now knowing his brother does genuinely care about him, not pity him, and doesn't see him the same way Souske and Mia does. Hugging his brother close Ichiru buried his head under Zero's chin sighing in pleasure as he felt Zero rubbing his back. "What else?"
Zero tensed again, remembering the other part of the conversation he heard. "Another reason for the beatings is..well-um-"
"Ze it okay just say it." Ichiru told him with patience using Zero's nickname.
"Our par- No...Those two aren't our parents anymore. Mia and Souske are trying to kill you," He held Ichiru, feeling him trembling. "Because they see you as a stain and holding me back. They beat you hoping you would die..." Zero whispered the last part and continued rubbing Ichiru's back in soothing circles.
"What will we do?" Ichiru asked quietly sitting up, Zero following after. "I don't want to die Zero. Does that sound selfish? Wanting to live?" He looked at Zero with tearful eyes. "I don't want to leave you alone with them. Knowing you'll only suffer more, I don't care about myself getting hurt, I can't take it when you get hurt Nii-chan." He bowed his head clenching his eyes as tears escaped. "I don't want to see you hurt anymore." He sniffled while wiping tears from his eyes.
"It's not selfish," Gently Zero stopped Ichiru from rubbing his eyes, grabbing a tissue from the night stand by the bed before dabbing Ichiru eyes with it. "Everyone wants to live Ichiru. It doesn't make you weak either. And your not going to die, I won't let them harm you anymore or try to kill you. As for what we are going to do..." Zero gazed around their room in thought, it was your average room, a closet across from his bed that was on the left side of the room, a dresser that held his clothes and a desk beside it, books stacked on it. Ichiru's side of the room was the same way. His eye then landed on the window right next to them. "We can run away." Zero suggested crawling over to the window, looking out at the moon.
"Run away?"
Zero turned back around smiling. "Yeah, we can go live somewhere else! We could live with Yagari-sensei." He said quietly with excitement.
"But Zero Yagari-sensei lives in another town." He suddenly felt bad for ruining his brother's good mood, he hasn't seen Zero happy for a long time. "Still we could go there." He smiled when Zero perked back up. "When do we go?"
"Souske and Mia have a mission tomorrow and will be gone most of the day, we leave after they're gone. With those two gone it gives us enough time to get away. I've been saving up enough money that will get us a train ride to where Yagari-sensei lives."
Ichiru nodded smiling a little nervously. "Won't we be questioned by grown ups? I mean think about it, we are only eight years old."
"Oh yeah, maybe...we'll tell them we're visiting a relative or we could always take the bus. Still we'd be gone from here, far away." He crawled back to Ichiru sitting in front of him. "How about it Ichiru-chan?"
"Do you really need to ask Zero-chan?" He teased him but squeaked in surprise when Zero tackled him in a hug. "As long as we get away from here then it's fine but can we go by the old cherry blossom tree, the one that hasn't bloomed yet?"
Zero thought about it before nodding. "Yeah we can go there."
Ichiru smiled then yawned. "Night Zero." He mumbled falling to sleep.
"Night Ichi." Zero said laying beside his little brother then falling to sleep as well.
Next Morning
Zero and Ichiru were standing outside the front door waving goodbye to their parents, watching as the two drove away. Once out of eye shot, the twins shot each other grins before running back into the house to their room to get their bags. Checking to make sure they had all that was needed on the list. 'Ichiru medicine: check, clothes: check, toothbrushes: check, money: check, and mobile phones: check.'
Zero zipped up the back pack. "Okay, I think we have everything we need." He did one last check before going into the closet getting his and Ichiru's coats. "Here Ichi." He handed Ichiru his coat then started putting on his. "Ready to go?" He asked putting on his gloves.
"Yes." Ichiru said smiling at his brother.
"Then lets get going-"
"Wait we should call Shisou first let him know we're coming." Ichiru insisted straightening out his coat.
"Alright." Zero took out his phone dialing their teachers number.
Ring. Ring. Ring. Ring. Ring. Rin- " Yagari Toga here. Make it quick."
Zero grinned at their teachers annoyed tone. "Sensei its me, Zero."
"Zero?" He asked surprised but then quickly turned serious. "Are you and Ichiru-chan okay? What's wrong? Where are your parents? Did they do anything to you?" He bombarded him with questions of their well being until Zero interrupted.
"Yagari-sensei were fine." before the teacher could start back up he continued. "Those two aren't here they left a little awhile ago for a mission." he heard the relieved sigh from his teacher then continued while fidgeting a bit. "Shisou, Ichiru and I are leaving. Is it okay if we, you know." he bit his lip as he heard his teacher sigh.
Yagari let out a chuckle. "Zero-chan, are you and Ichiru-chan planning to come to my place?"
"Umm," Zero looked to side sending a mock glare to Ichiru who was snickering. "Yes, it-it was the only place we could think of and besides," he bowed his head. "Your the only one who knows the truth." he reminded Yagari.
"I see, though you really didn't need to ask, I was going to come and get you after my mission."
Zero blinked. "You have a mission?"
"Yes, I'm on a mission right now." he answered. "Just after a group of level E's. This will probably take two days if not more by the looks of it." Yagari informed.
"Oh. So I guess we'll have to wait for you to come and get us."
"Not really. Is it a problem for you to wait that long-"
"Yes." Zero answered quickly trying to keep the panic from his voice but apparently his sensei heard it because his tone went from laid back to serious.
"Zero, you and Ichiru heard us last night didn't you." He didn't wait for a reply. "Zero after I left what did you hear?"
Zero swallowed a lump in his throat. " Well I wanted to know what you guys were talking about so I got up to find out. I was right up against the wall when I heard Pa- When I heard Souske and Mia talking-" He started shaking recalling what he heard. "Yagari-sensei, they-they're going to kill Ichiru."
"What?! They wouldn't...not their own- Zero what else? Tell me everything you heard."
"The things those two said...I heard them last night saying how Ichiru doesn't have much time left to live anyway and will just kill him off. They think he is holding me back and thinks he is shaming the Kiryu name." He said with disgust as he paced the room. "That's why they beat us because we look out for each other. There's more to it but I'll explain more when you get back."
"Zero did you hear when-"
Zero answered quickly already knowing what his teacher would ask him."When they get back from their mission they'll kill Ichiru."
"Zero you and Ichiru head to my place now. There's a spare key under the window sill on the right. Once you get there call me." He ordered.
Zero nodded then remembered his teacher couldn't see him. "Yes sir..."
"Good boy."
Zero smiled. "Yagari-sensei,"
"Hn."
"Thank you."
He heard his teacher chuckle. "Anytime brat." he said with affection. "Now get your butts over to my place asap. Think of it as your first mission."
Zero eyes lite up at the words 'your first mission'. "Alright Yagari sensei, see ya soon."
"Later brat."Yagari then hung up.
Zero pocketed his phone then shoulder the back pack holding his and Ichiru's belongings. "Ready?"
Ichiru nodded standing up from his bed. "Yeah, will we be able to go by the old cherry blossom tree?"
"Yeah but we can't stay there for long." Zero told him as they walked back out the room making sure to avoid the help. Making it to the front door with out being seen as they left. "We'll take the shortcut." Going through the woods following a dirt path at a steady pace seeing the town up ahead. Instead of going through town they went to the side of the town entrance where a small alley was, the alley that would lead them to the old cherry blossom tree.
"Finally!" Ichiru cheered running out of the alley to the tree with Zero behind him.
The tree was wide and strong, growing from the ground, curving and twisting, Ichiru said it looked liked the letter Z when its bare, it's bark was a light gray, located in the middle of town. When the blossoms bloomed, both twins believed it will be a wonderful sight to see. Ichiru already climbed the tree sitting on one of the branches swinging his legs, he then asked Zero when the tree would bloom.
"Probably this winter." he answered putting hand on the smooth bark. "How do you feel?"
"I feel fine nii-chan, why?" He asked looking down tilting his head.
Zero gave a reassuring smile. "Just checking. In few minutes we'll leave for the train station."
"Hn." Ichiru looked at the sky. It was gray with a bit of blue, here and there, but still the weather was nice. "I like coming here..." He said mostly to himself not expecting a reply. "I like it here because its calm and has a really nice view. Coming here and just sitting here just really calms me down and I forget about all the bad stuff...and being sick."
"You sound like you come here all the time."
He smiled down at Zero. "Only when I feel overwhelmed- no that's not it," He shook his head and corrected himself. "Only when I feel really upset, you know being told to just stay in bed since your weak can be really annoying." He said with a bit of anger in his voice until it went back to being soft and happy. "I come here because it make me feel better, feel free. Being stuck in our room or the infirmary for days, then weeks, with nothing more to do than read a book.. feels like I'm being-"
"Caged." Zero gave a small frown receiving a small sad smile from his little brother as his answer.
"And isolated."
Zero gazed down at his shoes, recalling the times when Ichiru was stuck in the infirmary because of fevers, flu, and other colds. He remembered Ichiru being stuck in the infirmary for almost a month when he caught the flu. His parents almost thought he wouldn't make it but he pulled through. At that point Zero wanted nothing more than to be with his little brother but the parents didn't want him to catch the flu too, so he was stuck just sitting against the wall watching over Ichiru when he didn't have training, talking to him when the younger twin woke up or was awake. Then he thought on all the times Ichiru was left alone with no one to talk to and how he must have felt.
"Ichi did-" Zero licked his lips. "Did you always feel like that."
"Yes, and I was jealous of nii-chan." He felt Zero's eyes on him and climbed down the tree sitting on the trees large upturned root. "Nii-chan was able to go outside and train. Never having to be confined to bed."
Zero looked away from his twin in guilt. "I'm-"
"You don't need to apologize Zero, I don't blame you and I don't have those feelings anymore, I'm thankful when you came, making sure I was well and keeping me company. It took awhile for me to realize..."
"Realize what?"
Instead of answering Ichiru grinned hoping off his seat grabbing his brother's hand. "Shouldn't we head to Yagari-sensei's now." He said pulling his twin along laughing as he was asked what he meant, over and over. He turned to look back to see his older brother pouting, something he never does around others except him and their teacher. "If puff your cheeks out more..." he paused trying to control his laughter.
"You'll tell me what you mean." Zero piped in his voice pouty.
"Pft, No! You'll look like one of those puffer fish!" Ichiru laughed at Zero's defeated expression as he began leading them to the train station.
Elsewhere
'No..'
The figure was cut by invisible thread wielded by a blond woman then stabbed in the stomach by knives wielded by a silver haired man.
'This can't be happening. Let me help you!' She thought with teary eyes.
He looked in her direction telling her to stay there before a knife was planted in his chest, right where his heart is. Hiding behind a tree she watched as her love, was defeated, laying in a his own puddle of blood. She was told to stay hidden so those chasing after them wouldn't find her as he acted as decoy to lead them away.
'No!' She let out a silent scream shaking her head back and forth as he fell to the ground.
"Tell us were your master is and we might spare you E." the Silver haired demanded as he held a silver knife to the vampire's throat.
A ghost of a smile was on the vampire lips. "First tell me your names." he rasped out.
"Hmph, should be no harm in telling you, seeing as your almost dead. Souske and Mia Kiryu are the ones who ended your life E." Souske answered with a smirk. "Now your master."
He coughed up blood."H-Head 3 miles west from here-e in an abandon farm house...you'll find her."
"Right, come Mia." Souske walked away from the vampire heading in the direction he was given.
Mia gawked at him. "We're just going to leave him like this? You won't finish him off?"
"Yes, he doesn't have much time left anyway so he's no threat anymore. Anyway we got our target... after this we have another, remember."
Mia sighed stepping around the vampire following after her husband, the two disappearing further into the woods until they were out of earshot.
The vampire laying on the ground called to his beloved. "S-Shizuka."
Shizuka was by his side instantly, gently laying his head in her lap. "Why? Why didn't you let me help you?" She sobbed out, pink eyes full of tears, her silver-white hair falling over her shoulder as she wept. "I could have defended us...So why?"
He smiled up at her with cloudy eyes. A sign death was near. "I didn't want to see you get hurt...You heard their names?"
She nodded. "Idiot! Y-You stupid idiotic fool! I am pureblood! I would have been fine!" She cried. "Why did this happen? Why did they attack you? You've not even fallen into an E's state...I-I just wanted us to be..."A sob tore from her.
He felt his eyes closing and he tried to keep them opened. "I know...I wanted that too...to be together...Shizuka...I want you to end me...please"
Shizuka gasped about to protest but knew it would be pointless. She could give him her blood but knew it wouldn't be enough, her blood was useless against hunter weapons. If she removed the knife from his chest he would turn to dust. Bowing her head she wept more. "My love." Lowering herself so that she was position above his lips she kissed him with all her passion and love, feeling him do the same. Pulling away Shizuka went to his throat placing a kiss there.
"Don't leave a single drop Shizuka," he felt her nod and let out a sigh. "I'm ready do it." He felt her fangs pierce through, there was no pain, just this peaceful feeling mixed with pleasure, he felt his life slipping away with each drop of blood she took. 'Just a few more seconds.' He thought with a peaceful smile. "Shizuka-koi," he felt Shizuka tense but she continued to drain him. "I...Love...You...L-L-Live...For...Us..." And with one last sigh he was gone.
Shizuka pulled away tears streaming down her face mixing with blood around her mouth, red droplets of blood and tear falling on her white Kimono. "I will live for us." She whispered wrapping her hand around the knife still embed in his chest while using her free hand to interlock with his stone cold hand. Shizuka gazed at him a little while longer, imprinting his face in her mind.
"My love lying cold," her hand tighten on his hand and the knife, ignoring the stinging burn she felt from the weapon. "I will love you even in death,"she kiss him again. "farewell my one and only love." She snatched the knife from his chest watching with void eyes as his body turned to dust being blown away. Shizuka brought her trembling hand to her chest cradling the remains of her lover that wasn't blown away."My love... My love... My- AHHH!" Throwing her head back a heart wrenching wail echoed throughout the entire woods for all to hear. To hear her mourning.
Souske and Mia looked back towards the woods at the sound.
"What do you think that was?" Mia asked. "The master maybe?" She wondered getting into the passenger side.
Souske shrugged. "Who knows. It's really not important right now." He got into the car starting it up before driving away. Unaware of the pink eyes glaring after them from the trees, plotting revenge.
With Zero and Ichiru
Zero and Ichiru where just getting off the train, making it to their destination with no trouble at all. Zero took out his mobile phone dialing Yagari. He told his teacher he and his brother made it to town and are heading to his house.
"Hn. You know where the key is right?"
"Yes sensei."
"Okay, call me again when you get to my house. I'll probably be there tomorrow."
Zero rolled his eyes and drawled "Hai Yagari-sensei." he snickered when his teacher said he'll get him later before hanging up. "Sensei said he'll be here tomorrow and to just make ourselves at home." he told Ichiru as they walked out of the station onto the main street that had vendors of different kinds and people bustling about.
"Kay...Nii-chan, can we get something to eat?"
"Yeah, what do you have the taste for?" he asked looking at the different shops, he laughed lightly when he heard Ichiru smack his lips.
"What? I'm trying to see what I have the taste for." he pouted.
"How about I make your favorite soup?" He smiled when Ichiru eyes lit up.
"Please nii-chan?" Ichiru cheered when his older brother nodded yes. "Come on lets hurry to Yagari-sensei's place!" He started pulling Zero along leading him to their teachers house, both laughing. Zero couldn't remember the last time they we're together laughing like they were now. They weren't in pain, not comforting each other when one was scared, not nursing wounds from beatings. They were together laughing and playing around instead of being hurt and in pain. Zero cherished this moment with his little brother, he would rather see Ichiru happy than frighten and hurt. He will always protect Ichiru, he'll take all the blows and pain just to keep his twin safe and happy. 'I promise.'
The twins made it to Yagari's home, it was your average one floor house, it was a sand color on the outside, similar the other houses. He looked under the window sill by the door and found the key, inserting the key he opened the door letting Ichiru in first then stepping inside closing the door behind him and locking it. Zero took his coat off hanging it on the coat rack with Ichiru's.
Zero went into the kitchen while Ichiru sat on the couch turning on the TV. "I'll go ahead and start cooking Ichi." Zero announced from the kitchen as he started getting ready to cook.
Despite being eight Zero was a very talented cook, he started learning at five how too cook, learning Ichiru had to eat certain types of food that would help his body, and learning that knowledge he started reading books on cooking and trying recipes, with the supervision of the chef. An hour had past and Zero put the last finishing touches in the soup before calling Ichiru. Grabbing two bowls from the cabinet next to him, he filled the bowls setting them on the table.
The younger twin came in and sat himself at the table. "This looks delicious!" he waited until Zero was seated to start. "Itdakemasu!" He started gobbling down his food.
"Ichiru slow down." Zero said with light laugh. "And make sure you take your medicine after."Ichiru gave a muffled affirmative as he continued to stuff his face, Zero smiled and went back to eating.
Kiryu Household
It was slowly turning into evening. Shizuka continued to follow the Kiryu parents to their household undetected, planning to kill them when the moment presented itself, she waited and watched the two go into their home. She used her vision to peer inside. Seeing the parents talk to the help, more like yelling at the help about something, until the two ran back out to their car and drove away.
'I wonder what that was all about.' Shizuka thought following after them by jumping from tree to tree.
Yagari's house
Ichiru was asleep on the couch with his head in Zero's lap, he was snoring lightly while Zero's fingers combed through his hair. The TV was on but some old black and white movie was playing but the twins could care less about it. Zero yawned looking at the clock it was only nine o'clock and he felt more tired than usual. 'Probably because you woke up early.' he reminded him self shifting more comfortably on the couch his eyes started drifting close and before he knew it he was asleep, head resting on the arm of the couch. He and his brother would have had a peaceful night, if it weren't for the pounding knocks on the door. Ichiru woke up rubbing sleep from his eyes while Zero got up and went to answer the door grumbling about bad neighbors. Zero unlocked the door but left the chain lock on, he cracked opened the door about to ask what the person wanted but as his gaze trailed up to the people before him, he wished he hadn't.
"Found you."
The door was kicked opened knocking Zero back and startling Ichiru awake. He ran to his older brother's side asking if he was okay. He froze in fear seeing his parents standing in the doorway smirking away but he saw the rage in their eyes, silently telling him there would be hell to pay.
He gulped helping Zero sit up. "H-how did you find us?" he asked.
Souske smirked. "It wasn't hard to figure out. We only knew you two were here because we thought that teacher of yours came and got you. Although," he looked around the house smirking stepping in. "It seems he's not here, which leaves us to believe you two came here all on your own." He chuckled. "Such clever boys." Souske was now standing in front of the twins with his head bowed. "Clever boys that need to be punished." Zero moved in front of Ichiru taking a kick to the stomach that sent him flying to the wall.
"Ze-" He was slapped by Mia who appeared in front of him stopping him from getting to his brother he glared at the woman, standing to his feet. "Leave us alone!" He yelled at them only to be slapped again by Mia.
"Ichi-Ichiru..."Zero put a hand to his throbbing side feeling the cut reopened, standing shakily to his feet he glared at Souske and Mia.
Ichiru stood his ground and glared even harder at Mia. "Why do you treat us this way? Are we just playthings to you?" He received another slap but he didn't falter. "Do you hate us? Blame us? What is it? What have we done to you?!" He grunted in pain as Mia grabbed him by his hair and threw him against the wall next to Zero.
"The way you were born...it is unacceptable...you both were suppose to be the same." It was all Mia said before walking out the house. Next thing the twin they were picked up by the collar of their shirts and carried out of Yagari's house, kicking and screaming mind you, and thrown into the car. Mia closed the door before the two could make an escape ignoring the pounding and yelling, she made sure the child lock was on the doors before coming. Souske closed Yagari's door then went back to the car getting in and driving away ignoring the yells from his children.
Watching from a roof Shizuka was seething with anger and disgust, wondering how those two could treat children that way as if they were mere objects. At first she was surprise to learn the couple had children but that surprise left just as quickly as it came and was replaced with suppressed rage. Children shouldn't be treated like some punching bag she thought feeling a desire to protect them and save them from the life they had now while there was still time. So she followed the car undetected, using her vision, she saw the twins had stopped yelling and pounding the windows and were holding each other protectively, seeing that made her admire the two. The vampire saw Zero whispered something in Ichiru's ear watching him nod, maybe it was plan, if so then the pureblood decided to put it into action soon.
Three hours passed and the car was silent and the air tense, the family was closer to home and were on the path leading to there house. They could see the house from a distance, they'll be home in ten minutes or less.
SCREECH!
If the car suddenly didn't get hit by some unknown force.
Souske tried to gain control of the car. "What the-AH!" The car spun out of control hitting tree after tree breaking the windows open, damaging the car all round, from the side to the front, less to the back. Zero held on to Ichiru shielding him from the flying glass and keeping him grounded as they were bounced and shook around. The car hit a tree and the worst was over, Zero slowly removed himself from Ichiru both trying to get a grip on their surroundings. Souske was temporarily knocked out along with Mia, who head a blood dripping from her head but a groan escaped her lips, showing the woman was still alive. Zero then looked out the broken window, their house was just a few feet away and the secret path he and Ichiru took to town was right across from them. Immediately he unbuckled his and Ichiru's seat belt, he crawled out the window, wincing when glass got stuck in his hands and feet, opening the door from the outside helping his brother out of the vehicle taking his hand he and Ichiru started running, ducking under the bushes that shield the secret path from view. Right now all that was important was running, getting far away from those people, as far as possible.
Ichiru tripped and was breathing harder. "S-sorry..I-I'm okay lets keep going." He panted out trying to stand back up.
'It's too much strain on his body.' Zero thought worrying his bottom lip. "Get on my back Ichi." he order gently kneeling next to his brother.
"But-" he began to protest.
"This isn't the time to argue Ichiru get on my back." He order his tone holding no room for argument. Ichiru did as he was told and got on his older brother's back telling Zero that he was secured. The older twin started back running again, he saw the town entrance and went into the same small side alley he and Ichiru took earlier today. He was glad the alley was small and accompanied only a child's size, he slowed his pace when he saw they were almost to the cherry blossom tree asking Ichiru if he felt okay.
"My chest feels really tight and hurts but I'll be fine so don't worry." He said trying to reassure his brother with a smile but it came out weak as he gripped his chest.
"I'm sorry Ichiru-chan I should have carried you instead."
"Zero Nii-chan, don't..." He trailed off as his attention was brought to the Cherry blossom tree and the figure in it. It was in bloom. Wasn't it suppose to bloom in winter? It was still autumn. Cherry blossoms blew around every where. He and Zero stared in awe at the light pink petals dancing in the wind until their gaze landed on a the pureblood in the tree, both of them tensed realizing the figure in the tree was a vampire, and not just your average vampire, but a strong one, Zero concluded. Their grip on one another tighten when Shizuka turned in their direction finally noticing them.
"No need to be frightened little ones." She said softly. "I will not harm you."
Zero didn't sense any hostilities from her but was still cautious. He examined her taking in all her features and appearance, moving closer he peered at her face. 'Are those tears?' His question was answered when a tear fell on his face. Why is she sad?He wondered.
"W-why are you crying?" He heard his brother ask and felt him getting off his back.
Shizuka gave the twins a soft smile, tears still streaming down her face. "I've lost someone very dear to me." She answered. "Why are you two crying?" She asked.
Ichiru and Zero looked at each other and saw no tears then turned back to Shizuka confused. "We're not crying."
Both blinked when Shizuka was kneeling in front of them not really knowing when she moved.
"You are... from here." The pureblood placed her hands on their chest, 'her hands are warm' the twins thought. "I can hear it weeping, crying out for comfort and love. We're very much alike, you two and I."
The twins eyes widen at what she said. "How?"
The pureblood cupped their cheeks caressing them softly. "We're hurt by the same people." She told them she saw what happened to them, telling her story, what she would do to their parents, and how it all happened leading up to their meeting. As she told the boys about herself, the white haired woman healed their other wounds and injuries they received from their parents. The more the twins talked with her the more they grew to like her.
"So that was you who made the car lose control?" Ichiru asked tilting his head.
Shizuka hummed in acknowledgment taking the last of broken glass out of Zero's hand kissing each cut watching as they healed. "Yes, I am sorry if you got hurt but it was the only thing I could think of that would help you." She said with an apologetic smile. Though her expression changed into surprise when the younger twin grinned at her and complimented her action.
"That was amazing! It was like being in bumper cars except more dangerous but still amazing! That was amazing!" He leaned forward eyes sparkling with curiosity and excitement. "What else can you do Shizuka-sama?"
Shizuka still stared at him in surprise before she started laughing confusing the twins greatly though the boys didn't mind, both children liked the sound of the pureblood's laugh, the sound was soft and kind making them feel warm and happy, something they've never heard, they felt wanted. The complete opposite from their mother's cruel and high pitched laugh.
Eventually the vampire got over her laughing fit to where she was giggling and answered. " I am able to control plants, and yes that includes trees. I'm sorry for laughing before Ichiru-kun, but never in my life have I ever met children like you two." She smiled kindly at the twins. "Usually one would flee when learning you are vampire with a horrible background and family but you two didn't, why is that?"
"Because you didn't try to hurt us and your really nice and kind and fun and-well because..." Ichiru trailed of fidgeting slightly and blushing.
Zero piped in, his eyes full of happiness and curiosity. "Because you're warm and you are like us...You- You are like a mother."
The pureblood blink. " How so?"
"Well you don't yell or beat us, or call us these really ugly names." Zero listed.
Ichiru nodded his head vigorously. "Yeah! And you healed all our injuries and kissed them like any other mama would. I wish you were our mama." Zero nodded in agreement with his little brother.
Shizuka blushed but a kind smile bloomed on her face. "You both were treated so horribly for such a long time...yet both your hearts still hold kindness and compassion for others and have not harden." Shizuka brought the twins into her embrace releasing a sigh. "I've never experienced mother hood before. I thought my first children would be with my beloved," The pureblood gazed down at the twins who gazed back at her with hopeful pleading eyes. "Though I can always take a pair of certain twins in and show them the love they deserve." The woman sighed dramatically swaying back and forth smiling as she heard giggling. "The question is though: Will these twins allow me to be there mother?" Shizuka fell backwards bringing the twins down with her sending petals into the air, the three laughing.
"Yes we'll be your sons!" Both of them laughed out clinging to Shizuka as she sat up.
"Now listen, if you come with me chances are you will never see your Sensei for a long time... Are you willing to take that chance?" she asked seriously.
"We want this but Shisou will understand...We'll leave him a letter telling him about us and you." Zero said.
"Then the pact is made, you two are now my sons." Shizuka stated hugging the twins close as tornado of blossoms circled the three. 'This is a good way to live for us and to move on. Right my beloved?' Was the thought before the three were gone.
The next day Yagari was seen walking out the Kiryu estate with a letter clenched in his hand. When he got back he was called and informed of Mia and Souske's murder and told the sons were missing. The only bodies found dead were the parents, when Yagari was shown the bodies he didn't show any signs of mourning. He would not mourn for those two, he was glad they were dead, but he wished he was the one who killed the bastards, not some vampire but the deed was done. All he could do was hope and pray that the vampire Zero mentioned would be good to him and his twin better than their parents did. He walked past other hunters, who were investigating the scene inside, Yagari got in his car and took out the letter and re-read it again.
Dear Yagari-sensei,
I know this is sudden but if you found this later then Ichiru-chan and I are no longer in this town anymore. We are now living with our adopted mother Hio Shizuka, she's a pureblood, and very kind. We want to help her heal because she lost her lover to our parents right before her eyes and so we owe her in a way. We met Shizuka kaa-san the day we went to your house, Mia and Souske came and took us back but Shizuka rescued us. We talked and found out that Shizuka kaa-san was just like Ichiru and I. Hurting, sad, and alone. Ichiru and I wished we could have seen you one last time before we left. It may be awhile until we see you again Sensei but know that we are in good hands.
Your students,
Zero and Ichiru Kiryu
P.s Make sure you burn this letter or hide away where no can find it.
Take care
Yagari cursed as he finished the letter sticking it back in his pocket while he drove away from the Kiryu household for the last time.
ELFY: Hope ya enjoyed, the cliffhanger will be explained soon just hang tight. please review,we love to hear from you :) Anything else foxy?
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